Got an Idea for a New Project?

Nothing’s changed (well except for the conversion to Better Impact), so this is mainly for newer HMN members. The procedure for proposing a new project is really pretty simple. Prior to submitting a new project proposal, the member should refer to the VMN Volunteer Policy Handbook (“Volunteer Service Requirements,” pages 12-17). Reviewing the handbook will…

Fridley Gap Geology Field Trip for Cohort VII

On July 2, 2021, Matt Heller from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Geology and Mineral Resources and John Bauman, HMN Field Trips Coordinator, led Cohort VII on a hike to Fridley Gap. After introductions, Matt brought out his cool maps showing the geologic features of the region and described how…

Mushroom and Lichen Outing for HMNs

Once again, we are being treated to the wealth of knowledge and generosity of local fungi experts Jack Wilson and Chris & Vicki Vacher on a walk/talk and more, on Sunday, September 12, starting at 9:30AM. Jack shares this “draft plan” for our outing: “To avoid hot weather, we should start at MoonDance Camp (Braley Pond…

HMNs Help with Heat Watch Project

On July 15, HMNs Adrie Voors, Art Fovargue, and I, along with other volunteers, participated in the “Heat Watch” project, a nationwide program for heat mapping in local communities. Our job was to drive around a preset 20-mile route with a temperature sensor attached to the passenger’s side window of our car. The device measures…

Better Impact is your friend!

HMNs: If you haven’t yet, check out Better Impact, the new Virginia Master Naturalists’ volunteer management system at MyImpactPage.com. There you can:  find a complete list, with descriptions, of all our approved activities (formerly called “projects”) through which you can get volunteer service credit  find and sign up for any scheduled events that may be coming…